Job Details
Job Title
Principal Private Sector Housing Officer
Service
Public Protection & Enforcement – Private Sector Housing
Role Purpose
To provide senior operational and managerial leadership for Private Sector Housing functions, with responsibility for either disrepair enforcement or HMO licensing and enforcement. The postholder ensures housing standards are enforced lawfully, consistently, and effectively, improving conditions in the private rented sector and protecting residents.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage a team of officers delivering private sector housing enforcement and licensing functions.
• Oversee the investigation of complex and high-risk disrepair and HMO cases, providing direction on enforcement strategy and outcomes.
• Ensure enforcement action (including notices, civil penalties, prosecutions, cautions, and Rent Repayment Orders) is compliant with legislation, council policy, PACE, and RIPA.
• Supervise the granting and management of HMO licences, ensuring legal compliance and appropriate licence conditions.
• Act as an Authorised Officer, including carrying out inspections, obtaining warrants of entry, preparing schedules of works, and drafting witness statements.
• Liaise with Legal Services to prepare cases for prosecution and tribunal proceedings and act as a witness where required.
• Ensure high standards of customer service, with services accessible to vulnerable residents and those with additional needs.
• Manage team performance, workloads, training, and professional development.
• Contribute to service planning, policy development, continuous improvement, and effective partnership working.
Key Skills & Experience
• Extensive experience in private sector housing enforcement and use of housing and environmental health legislation.
• Strong knowledge of HMO licensing, disrepair enforcement, and legal processes.
• Proven experience managing staff and overseeing complex enforcement casework.
• Experience preparing evidence and giving testimony in court or tribunal settings.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
